Patricia Payne has sung to great acclaim in almost every major opera house in the world - La Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera New York, Paris, Barcelona, Bayreuth, Royal Opera House Covent Garden London, Chicago! She has sung regularly with 'the three tenors', Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras.
Patricia shares stories about her life as an international opera singer - the truth behind life on the opera circuit - and sings some of the arias she has sung in the major opera houses of the world.
Previous experience
As well as her international opera career, Patricia has an extensive concert repertoire ranging from Bach and Purcell to Britten, Stravinsky, Mahler and Verdi. She has recorded opera and oratorio for Philips, Phonogram and EMI and she has made opera videos for the BBC.
Education and recognition
Born and educated in Dunedin Patricia went to London to further her singing studies with internationally recognised teachers. In her debut as an opera singer at London's Covent Garden, one London review described her as "tall and majestic displaying an enormous voice, opulent in tone". Her 'enormous' voice is a rich mezzo-contralto of unusual strength and quality.
The hallmarks of Patricia's entertainment are her humour, honesty and deep commitment. Patricia shares stories of meeting British and Spanish royalty; David Lange, Margaret Thatcher, Lord Olivier, President Giscard d'Estaing of France, Paul Getty, David Hockney to name but a few.
Commenting on Patricia's show, David Lange wrote: "She spoke of stars and worlds beyond our ken.
She was witty and enthralling!"
She is also an accomplished cook - entertaining and cooking for corporate groups at her home (sister of Alison Holst - it runs in the family!), a dedicated angler and fly fisher and a successful artist selling at exhibitions and galleries throughout New Zealand.
Patricia provided a thoroughly enjoyable evening. She was very down to earth, warm woman and the audience appreciated the opportunity to hear an international opera singer in our local area! ... keep reading West Otago Dinner Club
We were told it was "The Event of the Year". People are asking for Patricia to return.
Patricia met our expectations in every way. The audience reaction was very positive.
Patricia was a fitting finale to our "Highland Banquet". She gave the audience a good deal of enjoyment and laughter.
